Tag Archives: Taxation in the United States

Back-to-School Tax Breaks

WASHINGTON — In support of the Administration’s efforts to promote access to and the affordability of college education, the Internal Revenue Service today launched a new Web section highlighting various tax breaks and 529 plan changes designed to help parents and students pay for college. The new Tax Benefits for Education section on IRS.gov includes […]

Cancellation of Debt

Today TaxMama hears from Anna in Virginia who is upset. “I just received a letter from the IRS for my 2007 tax return saying I owe $1600 because of a cancellation of debt that I didn’t claim. I didn’t know that I was supposed to. I don’t have $1600. What am I supposed to do?”

Interest and Penalties

Today TaxMama hears from Gary in Arizona with this question. “I am making payments to the IRS, and they charge interest and a penalty. Can I deduct these two from my income tax?”

Employee vs. Independent Contractor – Ten Tips for Business Owners

If you are a small business owner, whether you hire people as independent contractors or as employees will impact how much taxes you pay and the amount of taxes you withhold from their paychecks. Additionally, it will affect how much additional cost your business must bear, what documents and information they must provide to you, […]

Filing Separately Consequences

Today TaxMama hears from Greta in New York with this question. “I am thinking of filing a separate tax, without my husband. I pay most of the bills. Can I claim the house; or do we have to divide it?”

Job and Business

Today TaxMama hears from Jessica in Texas with a sensible question. “I have a full-time job that collects taxes, etc. I am considering starting a small business on the side. If I do, will I need to file separately from the full-time gig taxes on a quarterly basis? I can’t seem to find a good […]

Filing on Extension

Today TaxMama hears from Jaleh in Delaware with this concern. “When you file an extension with the IRS for your business and personal tax returns, and you owe taxes that year, do you have to pay penalty and interest on the money once it is paid? I received a bill and I’m not sure if […]

Top Ten Tips for Taxpayers Deducting Casualty and Theft Losses

Courtesy of the IRS Taxpayers who find themselves the victim of a natural disaster or theft this summer should know the rules for deducting their casualty losses next year when they file their federal tax return. Generally, you may deduct losses to your home, household items and vehicles on your federal income tax return. Here […]

IRS to Receive Unprecedented Amount of Information in UBS Agreement

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Justice today announced the successful negotiation of an agreement that will result in the IRS receiving an unprecedented amount of information on United States holders of accounts at the Swiss bank UBS. As a result of this agreement, the IRS will receive substantially all of […]

Home Office Expense Carryover

Today TaxMama hears from Mark in Illinois, with this problem. “Taxpayer has claimed the home office deduction for a couple of years. There is a build up of carryover expenses. During 2008 taxpayer quit doing business from his home. Taxpayer continued in the same line of business for the remainder of the year from a […]

North Fork CP 2000s

Today TaxMama hears from Stanley in New Jersey, with a universal problem. “Those people who had North Fork Bank accounts in 2007 received a 1099-INT showing North Fork as the payer. Capital One acquired North Fork Bank as of 3/10/2008. It appears Capital One modified their records to show they were the payer of interest […]

Ask TaxMama Issue 516 – How Sewing Machines Changed the World

Dear Family, I want to thank the National Association of Enrolled Agents for honoring TaxMama® (or Eva Rosenberg) their 2009 Excellence in Public Awareness Award – for letter the world know about Enrolled Agents and what we do. Let’s face it, EAs are the best friend of the average taxpayer – especially the small businessowner. […]